The Prague State Opera presents a varied programme of opera and ballet performances by Verdi, Tchaikovsky, Puccini, Rossini, Donizetti, Prokofiev and other well-known composers.

The season at the Prague State Opera runs from September to June.

As with many historic buildings in the Czech Republic, the Prague State Opera has changed ownership and names a number of times, each change reflecting the political climate of the day.

Originally named the German Theatre, the opera house opened in 1888 to great applause. It was immediately hailed as one of the finest German opera houses.

At the end of World War II, the opera house was renamed the Smetana Theatre, after the famous Czech composer, Bedřich Smetana. Opera in Prague was back.

However, the optimism was short lived. Within a few years Czechoslovakia became a communist state, a regime where opera was considered elitist. Performances became few and far between, and the opera house building suffered great neglect.

The theatre's renaissance came in 1992. Communism had fallen and yet another name change followed, to the now familiar Prague State Opera.

A regular programme of opera and ballet was installed, and this magnificent theatre came to life once more. For many visitors today, a night at the Prague opera can be the highlight of their Prague trip.